35+ makeup update

[updateinprogress]

I have brown eyes, brown hair, not the best skin but like my face on the whole. I haven’t worn much makeup during lockdown and feel like I could do with a bit of an update.

I’m still wearing the same I was wearing during my twenties - foundation, eyeliner, mascara, pink blusher. I do like the pink tone as it makes my face look brighter, but I have gotten a little fatter during lockdown and my face looks flat. I am working on shedding a little weight but can’t help but think my makeup needs updating, too.

I don’t do lipstick as it doesn’t suit me, is lipgloss still dated? How can I contour my cheeks better, my face looks so wide these days! Used to have killer cheekbones when I was younger. And should I wear eye shadow to make my face slimmer and my eyes wider? I’m rubbish at applying it and hopeless with eyeliner flicks and the like, always look like a five year old has drawn them. Help me please!

I'm similar so can't give you any advice with foundation, contour blush etc but for eyeliner I tend to get a dark brown eyeliner pencil and wear it softly smudged. They I don't have to worry about flicks. I also use either Dior or lancome tinted lip balms as they give me a bit of colour without looking like lipstick and aren't all sticky like gloss where one gust of wind makes my hair stick to my lips.

I can't help with contouring either but decided in lockdown I wanted a cream based set of makeup for everyday and then I save the heavier + powder based stuff for special occasions.

I got some lighter cream bases for days I don't want full coverage foundation (which is most days at the moment) so I wear Erborian CC cream 90% of the time, but I also like Bare Minerals and The Ordinary serum foundation.

I use Chanel cream bronzer (pricey but lasts forever!) + Daniel Sandler liquid blush or Glossier cloud paint cream blushers + cream eyeshadows (Clarins or Revlon) or eyeshadow crayons (Laura Mercier or Bobbi Brown) + brown mascara instead of black (Clinique lash power for subtle/Dior pump n volume for a bit more oomph). I still have black mascara for "out-out" but what with covid+having a young family(inc small baby) I don't really do much of that these days.

My makeup update pretty much involved adapting it to my lifestyle. I don't have as much time to get ready in the mornings as I did in my 20s so I have a few bits that I can apply quickly. I feel like cream based makeup is a bit nicer for summer too so am happy wearing it at the moment.

I wear lipstick, tinted lip balms, lip gloss, whatever I fancy. Don't care if it's dated. Does lipstick really not suit you or can you just not be bothered looking for the right shade? I used to feel like you about it but there are millions of shades and finishes so if you want to wear it you'll find something. If not, there are tons of tinted lip balms out there so you're bound to find something you like. Clarins and Dior both do a lip oil too if you like shine.

Wow that was long, sorry!

Just throwing in that primark are doing a knock off of the Chanel cream bronzer and it’s fab! £4 and smells like holidays.

I’ve just changed my make up routine to strip it back really. Im 35 too. Now only wear concealer, cream bronzer, cream blush, shadow and mascara. For me, less is def more. I somehow don’t look as old as i did

Lots of great advice here, thank you!!

I’ll try the tinted lip balm and lip oil, hadn’t thought of that! And the cream eyeshadow or eyebrow pencil sounds like a good alternative, too. I have the Ordinary primer and love it.

I prefer not to wear lipstick as I have a chipped tooth and it draws attention to it. It looks better/more subtle when my lips are more natural.

Yes I think it’s definitely about stripping it back. Also lots of suggestions for cream based products, it might be just what I need - something lighter and fresher.

Thank you ladies

I wear more lipstick now as I feel my face needs more colour/lift.

I don't wear any eye stuff except mascara during the day. Also use chanel blusher & I like a pinky blush.

I have a NARS primer thing that is very good.

@Yellow85 ooooh great tip! Thanks!

Yellow85

Thanks for the Primark - Chanel knock off tip!!!

Sounds like lovely colouring. I'd second a bb cream as they are so much lighter, eyebrow pencil, something like burts bees lip tint in rose. Brown eyeliner and smudge in.

eyebrows, eyebrows, eyebrows. That, or a fringe. They frame your face and make you look pulled together. And younger (as brow hairs tend to get lighter and sparser with age).

Have your lashes tinted and lifted - mascara will make way more difference afterwards.

I like an orangey/coral blush (I have olive skin) to lighten up my complexion.

MAC face & body is still my favourite light coverage foundation. It looks natural but still evens out my skin tone (I'm 49).

Tight lining is also a great way to define your eyes without the 'heaviness' of eyeliner. And it doesn't smudge like it does when you line the bottom of your eyes. Bonus.